Bearhands and I headed to Port Douglas for a wedding this weekend. We’d intended making a long child-free weekend of it, but life happened and we had to cut our trip short. I looked at booking our new flights home and we were looking at $160 each – ouch!
Then something magical happened; I came across a blog post by Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim fame. I tried things using her magical trick of booking our flights via Japanese expedia and snagged both tickets for just $180. So I packed my white shorts and other incompatible-with-children clothing and headed off to watch two of our friends tie the knot. It was hands-down the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to and I've been to my fair share of weddings!
This afternoon, I compared ticket prices for our upcoming family holiday to Georgetown. Four return tickets to Cairns on Jetstar = $1412. The same four tickets booked via expedia = 72800 yen or in $806.84 Aussie dollars. I bought check-in baggage allowances separately from the Jetstar website after I booked the flights.
image credit: Fat Mum Slim
I don’t want to steal Chantelle's thunder – so pop over to her post for the deets and tell what a clever clogs she is while you're there.
do you have a thrifty travel tip?
ever scored a bargain overseas?
Judy Thornton says
Wow! That is a lot cheaper! I will have to have a look into that.
Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel says
I must have a look at that site. Have a sudden urge to go to Port Douglas! Was it lovely and warm up there. This week has been hideous here in Sydney and my wee Mr7 is sick, poor wee lad. Longing for sunshine!
Jodie@freshhomecook says
That's awesome! Will definitely be looking into that one!! Port Douglas looks just gorgeous - always wanted to go there. Ooooo .... using this little gem, maybe now I can!! 🙂
Katyberry says
That is amazing. Will definitely keep that in mind for next time I am booking flights - with a family of 5, any discount is worth pursuing.
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Agreed Katrina!
Renee at Mummy, Wife, Me says
Wow. That is a huge saving. I will definitely keep that in mind for our trip to NZ later this year. Thanks for sharing!
Have a laugh on me says
I need to try and look for bargain accommodation cos I get dirt cheap flights through Virgin, thanks for idea. BTW - you look GORGEOUS at wedding - looks like a picturesque place to have one - Em x
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
Thanks Em - I bought that dress up there - 50% off! 🙂
Lydia C. Lee says
I am the queen of bargin flights - I paid $900 return to NY and $1600 for 5 return to Singapore (with bags, food - ipads were another $100) and this year's Sing GP weekend is costing me $1000 for airfare, ipad, accom and GP stand ticket (3 day pass). Whoohoo! Also got $10 airfares to Melbourne - so $80 return for 4. (somehow no taxes) Free infant was $60 in taxes each way but I couldn't risk losing the flights and booking her a $10 tickets.
That wedding looks AMAZING - sorry it was cut short but whaty a wonderful weekend.
My tip is sign up to everyone's newsletter and keep an eye on the sales. The scoot one was only for 18 hours.
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
You are clearly Queen of the bargain flights Lydia! Nice work! I'm going to take that tip and sign up for everyone's newsletter - especially now the Little Sister needs a seat! 🙂
marleisa says
I love it when you get a bargain!!
Dorothy says
What a bargain! I tried the trick too, but the flights I was looking at were exactly the same. Well done!
Amanda, Cooker and a Looker says
It made no difference when I compared QANTAS flights Dorothy - I think it might only work for Jetstar.
One of My Own says
What a great idea - I never would have thought of that. We are wanting to have a week away, but cannot afford it at the moment, but maybe if we use these tips, we can!
Lisa says
Great tip - will definitely give that a go! Glad you had a great time in Port Douglas, it's a beautiful town.
Neets says
I'm always looking at ways to save a $. What a clever girl Chantelle is. Looks like the wedding was just perfect!
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
That's great saving Amanda! What a glorious place for a wedding, it all looks so beautiful x
MrsD says
Such lovely photos - and that sunset - wow!!!! Well done on the ticket prices - I will be absolutely keeping this tip up my sleeve!! xxx
toddlersontour says
I had read Chantelle tip some time ago and have to admit thought maybe she just snagged a rare deal. Obviously not, this appears to be a great way to get a cheaper flight.
If you have time on your side then a great way to find cheap flight and deals is to "Like" and subscribe to airlines and travel agents and they will send notifications of up and coming deals.
Grace says
How awesome is that??? I had a read of Chantelle's post and who would've thought you could get such cheap domestic flights? We're planning a few trips in the next several months, will be keeping the link in mind! Thanks for sharing! x
Natt says
It's awesome to find out that this hint has found its way into blogs so people can share the savings 🙂